Design Engineer - Mechanical Systems

Cavendish Nuclear; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Plymouth is seeking a Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems to provide technical support for both nuclear and non-nuclear systems. You will design and analyze complex systems while ensuring safety and compliance. Candidates should have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and experience in high-hazard industries. This full-time role offers hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension

Access to Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Employee shopping savings portal

Payment of Professional Fees

Volunteer leave

Development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Developing designs through all lifecycle phases.
• Producing design documentation and technical assessments.
• Leading engineering teams and facilitating project progress.
• Providing expert advice on compliance with design codes.
• Representing the Mechanical Services Technical Authority.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Digital tools for design and analysis

Knowledge of design lifecycle

Understanding of regulations

Experience in high-hazard industries

Education

Level 5 qualification in mechanical engineering

Level 4 qualification with relevant experience

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £43,935 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF67957

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As a Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary providing technical engineering support and lead design and analysis activities for both nuclear and non-nuclear mechanical systems – from fluid and industrial gas distribution to steam and water services. Day-to-day, you’ll work on complex systems and grow your expertise in a high-impact environment. You’ll be part of a team that ensures safety, compliance, and innovation across the lifecycle of mechanical systems – from concept to decommissioning.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering designs through all lifecycle phases – from concept to implementation
• Producing design documentation and technical assessments
• Leading or supporting engineering teams and facilitating project progress
• Providing expert advice on compliance with design codes, standards, and legislation
• Representing the Mechanical Services Technical Authority during site visits and system surveys

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 3 days in the office/onsite and 2 days working from home.

Essential Experience – Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems

• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles applied to systems such as steam, industrial gases, and water services
• Proficient in digital tools and platforms for design, analysis, and documentation
• Knowledge of the full design lifecycle
• Understanding of regulations and standards governing mechanical systems
• Experience in nuclear or other high-hazard industries

Qualifications – Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems

• Level 5 qualification in a mechanical engineering discipline
• OR Level 4 qualification with substantial relevant experience

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This window opens February through to March annually.
• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

About Babcock

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 21/10/2025

#BABDESTNUC